Sunday Brunch: Cherry Chocolate Oatmeal + 5 New Things…

by Jenn (eating bender) on August 25, 2008

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Cherry Chocolate Oatmeal

Let me just start by saying that one of the best parts about coming home – besides being able to relax and hang out with my family – is using my parent’s fancy dishes, mugs and bowls! The one you see above is actually for salsa, but obviously I needed to use it for one of my oatmeal breakfasts!!

To be honest, this recipe is nothing new – especially in the blog world! But since cherries are at their best during the summertime, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight them in breakfast form…and what better way to do that then with oatmeal?!

P.S. These pictures are completely inspired by Miss Rose over at On a Lobster Placemat, who seriously has some of the most gorgeous oatmeal pictures I have ever seen.

Ingredients (serves 1):

1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup liquid egg whites

1/2 cup unsweetened chocolate almond milk

1 tbsp. ground flax

1/2 cup cherries, diced

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Directions:

In my opinion, the best way to make old fashioned oatmeal is on the stove top. I’ve had one too many explosions in the microwave 😉 Allowing the ingredients to simmer in the pot gives me the thickest, creamiest consistency.

The addition of the liquid egg whites is what makes this recipe “new” for me. I’ve never added egg whites to my oats before, and I found that it was a great way to get some added protein without significantly changing the taste and consistency of the meal. I will definitely be adding them again in the future!

I added an extra cherry on top, for good measure 😉 I was able to enjoy this bowl just as the sun came up, making for a wonderful photo opp – good stuff!

Nutrition Information:

305 calories

7g fat

51g carbohydrates

9g fiber

15g protein

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5 New Things…

Whew! It’s been such a wonderful weekend at home Quite honestly, I haven’t had a real “break” from school, work, etc. since Christmas break of last year!

First of all, this morning I finally quantified just how great of a workout walking 18 holes of golf can be. I know some people scoff at those who call golf a “sport,” but if you’ve ever spent 4 hours hauling clubs on your back – you know it’s pretty good exercise! Today I decided to wear my heart rate monitor to figure out just how hard I work. My average heart rate was 120 and in 4 hours, I burned close to 1,000 calories – give or take a few because sometimes when I was swinging, the monitor went out on me. I just thought it was interesting – and definitely gives me good reason to reach for that extra energy bar to keep me fueled!

Secondly, I am soo bummed that the Olympics are over! The closing ceremonies were just as wonderful as the opening, but it was also very sad because it’s pretty much been my life for these past two weeks! I feel like the U.S. had great success and I’m very proud of all the athletes!!

Next, I just want to say THANK YOU to Aimee over at The Healthy Lawyer for hosting the Udi’s Granola contest! I received my winnings in the mail earlier this week! Unfortunately, I won’t get to try them out until I get back to school, but look at all the loot – I can’t wait!!

Fourth, I wanted to show you the beautiful presentation of the salad I had for lunch today. It was one of those Build Your Ownsalads and it came in a super funky bowl, so of course I snapped a picture!

There is something about solid white dishes that I just love. Maybe it’s because they provide such a contrast to the food, or perhaps it’s because they just seem cleaner? I’m not sure! But I digress. Anyway, this salad was made with romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, hard boiled egg, red and green peppers and kalamata olives. It was served with an edible flower and white French dressing on the side.

Gorgeous. So fresh and so clean. YUM.

Finally, it’s my brother’s FIRST DAY OF HIGH SCHOOL tomorrow!! WOOHOO! I remember how NERVOUS I was for my first day – eek! He’s becoming a “man” now though, so I’m sure it’s no sweat for him 😉 But I’ll be in the car with him on the way to school, just in case he needs his sis!

i was so scared on the first day of High School. I remembered my mom bought me a pair of dark wash jeans and told me to wear them because they were the new cool thing (this was 1998, so she was probably right).

i love moms!
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caitlin (see bride run) ~ Aw, I love moms too! They always know just what to say and do

the oatmeal is gorgeous! especially in that bowl!!
it’s great that you’ve gotten to play some golf- i know you love it! 😀 i had NO idea golfing burned that many calories.. totally makes sense for all the walking and club-lugging you have to do! it makes me wish i were better at it, but for now i’ll have to stick to wii golf
your salad looks amazing!! i love the edible flower!
have a very happy monday! are you going to be in az over the holidays, too? if so, we should totally meet up 😀
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fitnessista ~ I am definitely going to be in AZ over the holidays!! We will have to get in touch when it gets closer and set something up – hurray for foodie fun!

The edible flower is adorable! Did you eat it? I LOVE AZ. I didn’t know you were from there. Way to get a workout carrying those clubs girl!
I’m so happy you’re there to support your bro. NOTHING beats the sibling relationship, right?
Still loving the new format, Jenn!
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Erin ~ I actually didn’t eat it…but I shoulda! And yes, AZ is great! I’m not from here originally but now that my family is here I like to pretend I am And nothin’ beats the sibling love, for sure!

Wow, 1000 calories from walking/playing 18 holes, I don’t think I would have expected it to be that many – thats awesome.

Enjoy the Udi’s when you get home, so far the ones I have tried have been excellent.
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eatingbirdfood ~ I didn’t expect it either – it was a pleasant surprise because I enjoy every minute of it, so it’s not like it’s a workout chore.

oatmeal looks AMAZING! I love that bowl–seriously just putting food in a different serving dish than you are used to makes for a completely different eating experience. it’s like the food actually tastes better in a pretty bowl!

Wow…I never would have guessed golf could be that much of a workout. But I guess it makes sense. And since it’s fun, you actually *want* to do it for four hours. Running…probably not a four hour activity.
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blueberryhil ~ I wouldn’t have guessed either, and you’re completely right about actually wanting to do it – I laughed at the running comment